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The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is urging Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa to expedite the swearing-in of Aaron Uzodike, the duly elected representative of Aba North State Constituency, without further delay.
Through a statement issued by Elder Abraham Amah, acting Publicity Secretary and Vice Chairman, Alwell Asiforo Okere, the state PDP chairman, has urged the party’s lawmakers in the Assembly, led by Solomon Akpulonu, to employ all necessary legislative measures to secure Aaron Uzodike’s immediate inauguration.
In a move that’s raising eyebrows, the Speaker has neglected to swear in Aaron Uzodike, whose electoral victory was upheld by the Lagos Appeal Court, following the ousting of Destiny Nwagwu from the Labour Party.
The statement said the directive from the state Chairman of the PDP followed due consultations with members of the State Working Committee (SWC). “After reviewing the recent interview granted by the Speaker regarding the delay in Uzodike’s inauguration, Abia PDP is convinced that there are no legal obstacles preventing his inauguration, following the issuance of his Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on December 13, 2023, which is the only requirement for his inauguration.”
The PDP is demanding prompt compensation for Aaron Uzodike, citing the lack of legal grounds for the Speaker’s ongoing delay in his inauguration, and insisting that all benefits accrued since his Certificate of Return be paid forthwith.
To restore order and adherence to democratic principles, the statement directed the Assembly’s leaders to ensure the PDP, as the majority party, retains the Majority Leader role, a position that comes with significant influence and responsibility.
By failing to inaugurate Aaron Uzodike, the State Legislature has effectively silenced the voices of Aba North residents, depriving them of representation and a vital link to the decision-making process, a situation that has persisted for an unacceptable seven months.
This impasse not only flouts the rule of law and disrespects the judiciary but also imperils the very foundations of our democracy, which has been painstakingly built over time.
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“The Abia PDP condemns the undemocratic actions of the Speaker and his sponsors and considers it as irresponsible and a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which they have sworn to uphold, and Abia PDP cannot tolerate such actions any longer.
“We urge Abia elders, concerned citizens of Abia State and conscientious members of the Labour Party, especially those dissatisfied with their leader’s autocratic tendencies, to intervene and ensure the immediate inauguration of Aaron Uzodike to avoid the bastardization of our democracy and prevent the constituents from resorting to self help.”
